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On a random Thursday evening I got invited to check out this home art studio near the Amstel station. At first I didn’t realize it was a home studio, I figured it was just a posh art gallery. That changed when I ended up walking into an apartment complex. But don’t let that deter you, as it ended up to be way better!

The Faketory is an internationally oriented art studio started by creative director Martijn Crowe. It became renowned for its quirky exhibitions of art, artists, poets, musicians and books. With a branch in Amsterdam, Antwerp and São Paulo, Martijn travelled the world to work with homeless people, teenagers, drag queens and the elderly across the world. The Faketory is a family endeavour, seeing as Martijn lives in Brazil and travels the world while his daughter Donna (18) stays around to run the studio with the help of some interns.

Pictures by John Melkens

So, I ended up walking into a messy, but cozy home which doubles as an art studio. There were people of all ages and all walks of life sitting on the couch and at the dinner table, eating some pasta. Even though I unexpectedly walked into a stranger’s residence, it immediately felt like home.

Weaponed with a glass of water I checked out the work of the artists who had their paintings and drawings dispersed on the ground and hanging on the wall.

I hung around some more, got henna done on my hand by a lovely artist who was visiting as well and chatted around. I spoke to a woman of age (somewhere in her ’60s I suppose) and she told me she used to go to home art studios like this one all the time. I told her this was my first time doing this and she told me history always repeats itself. Hear, hear.

The Artist presentation is held in The Faketory every two weeks, different artists get the chance to expose their work in a super laid back, chill environment. People from all walks of live come around to experience the artwork, talk, get to know the artist and each other, while listening to some music and having a drink. If you like art and like to meet with people who are really chill, this is definitely the place to go.

Artist Presentation @ The Faketory

Where: The Faketory, Omval 425When: Every two weeks, next one is June 15More info: Website & Facebook page